2004 BMW 645CI COUPE&CONVERTIBLE brakes

Controls
55Reference
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SMG Sequential manual
transmission and automatic
transmission
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. Here, it is sufficient
to turn the ignition key only briefly to posi-
tion 3 'Start engine' and to let go of it right
away. The system responds by automati-
cally engaging the starter for a certain
period and allowing it to run until the engine
starts, after which it then disengages auto-
matically.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Engage selector-lever position N
3.Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, engage
the last gear selected again, refer to
instrument cluster display, and then
engage selector-lever position N.<
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Engage selector-lever position P or N
3.Start the engine.
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key while
the vehicle is rolling, as otherwise the
steering wheel lock would engage while
steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the igni-
tion key and lock the steering.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply
the handbrake, as otherwise the vehicle
could roll away.<
Manual transmission
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0
2.Engage first or reverse gear.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission
1.Engage a drive position
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
A signal sounds if the idle position N is
engaged on stopping the engine.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
1.Engage selector-lever position P
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked;
it brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and an
acoustic signal also sounds when
starting off. The handbrake is
engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
Engaging
The lever locks into place automatically;
the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up as of ignition key position 1.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the
handbrake while the vehicle is in motion,

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
78 The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do
not reduce the additional safety margin
again by taking risks.<
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus helps to
achieve the shortest braking distance dur-
ing panic stops. This system exploits all of
the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released,
DBC is deactivated.
Malfunctions of driving stability
control systems
The brake system warning lamp
lights up in red, appearing together
with the indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC. A message appears on
the Control Display. Driving stability
control and ABS have failed. Con-
ventional braking efficiency remains
available without limitations.
While you may continue, you should
remember to proceed cautiously and drive
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC warning lamp lights up.
DSC and DTC have failed.
The stability maintenance functions
are no longer available. The vehicle will
remain completely operational, however,
without DSC.Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
The warning lamp for the brake sys-
tem lights up yellow and a message
appears on the Control Display.
DBC has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization*
The concept
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll
and optimizes vehicle stability during cor-
nering and evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear
axles form the basis for active roll stabiliza-
tion. Suspension compliance adapts to suit
driving conditions, varying from perfor-
mance-oriented during cornering to
smooth and comfort-oriented when the
vehicle is proceeding in a straight line. Dur-
ing vehicle operation, the system continu-
ously runs through closed-loop control
cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status
each time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. There is a malfunction in
the system. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system,
please remember to adapt your
speed accordingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-
dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds.
If a message stating that you should stop
appears on the Control Display, stop and
switch off the engine as soon as possible.
In this case the oil level in the reservoir may

Things to remember when driving
102
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures
To ensure that your vehicle continues to
provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we
request that you devote careful attention to
the following section.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
You should attempt to vary both vehicle
and engine speeds. Until the break-in
period has been completed, you should
also refrain from exceeding an engine
speed of 4500 rpm or a driving speed of
100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode during
these initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle speeds
can be gradually increased.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission
Do not use the acceleration assistant dur-
ing the break-in period, refer to page 60.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their
full traction potential until after an initial
break-in period. Therefore, drive reservedly
during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve opti-
mized contact and wear patterns between
brake pads and rotors.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of
approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this
break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
After component replacement
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures should the components men-
tioned above need to be replaced at a later
point.
General driving notes
Hot exhaust system
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to vari-
ous sections of the exhaust system, and
never apply undercoating to them. When
driving, standing at idle and while parking,
take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious prop-
erty damage as well as personal injury.<
Parking vehicle
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors manually, as
otherwise they could be damaged due to
the width of the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and

Driving tips
103Reference
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Mobility
road surface. This phenomenon is referred
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized
by a partial or complete loss of contact
between the tires and the road surface, ulti-
mately undermining your ability to steer
and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the
tread depth of the tires decreases, also
refer to Tire tread on page 167.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm,
and then only at walking speed at the most.
Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electri-
cal systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as stan-
dard. The best way to achieve optimized
braking response from the ABS is to apply
maximum pressure to the brake pedal in
situations where this is required: panic
stops. Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to
ensure that full braking efficiency will then
be available when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and thus
reduced efficiency of the brake sys-
tem, downshift to a gear in which only min-
imal brake applications are needed when
descending long or steep downhill
stretches. Even light but consistent pedal
pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake fail-
ure.<
You can further enhance the engine's brak-
ing effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
page 59. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem.
Never drive with the clutch pressed
or allow the vehicle to coast with the
transmission in Neutral – or with the engine
switched off – there is no engine braking
when the transmission is in Neutral, and no
power assist for brakes and steering when
the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while
contaminants accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the
pads during brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors,
the brakes will tend to respond with a pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.

Maintenance
174
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports
the preservation of the traffic and operating
safety of your BMW. The service schedule
also includes operations related to the
vehicle's comfort and convenience fea-
tures, such as replacement of the filters for
the inside air. The ultimate objective is to
ensure economical maintenance by provid-
ing the ideal service for your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to
sell your BMW, you will find that a complete
dealer service history is an asset of inesti-
mable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the
different driving conditions of your BMW
into account. Condition Based Service
uses this to determine the current and
future maintenance requirement. By letting
you define a service and maintenance reg-
imen that reflects your own individual
requirements, the system builds the basis
for trouble-free driving.
The service requirement display, refer to
page 65, individually displays the time or
distance remaining for selected mainte-
nance work and any legally required inter-
vals:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on
local regulations.
Your vehicle stores this information contin-
uously in the master key while the vehicle is
being driven. After accessing the data
stored in the master key, your BMW Ser-
vice Advisor can suggest precisely the right
array of service procedures for your own
individual vehicle. You should therefore
hand over to the BMW Service Advisor the
key you last used to drive when you take
your vehicle for service.
Make sure the date in the Control
Center is always set correctly, refer to
page 74, as otherwise the effectiveness of
CBS Condition Based Service is not
ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models for additional information
on service requirements.
Have service and repair operations
performed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service
procedures are confirmed by entries in
your vehicle's Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and War-
ranty and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-
dian models. These entries verify that your
vehicle has received the specified regular
maintenance, and may also be required
when submitting warranty claims.<

Everything from A to Z
198 Automatic
– air distribution 89
– air volume 89
– cruise control 62
– curb monitor 45
– headlamp control 85
– service notification 156
– station search 131
– steering wheel
adjustment 49
– storing stations 132
Automatic car wash 102
– also refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control 88
– automatic air
distribution 89
– convertible program 91
– settings using Control
Center 90
– switching off 90
"Automatic programs" 91
Automatic recirculated-air
control, AUC 89
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 58
– convenience start 55
– Dynamic Driving
Control 59
– interlock 54
– kickdown 59
– selector lever interlock 58
– shiftlock 58
– starting engine 55
– towing 186
– tow-starting 187
– warning lamp 59
"Automatic ventilation" 92
AUTO program with
automatic climate
control 89
"Autostore" on the
radio 130, 132
"AUTO" with automatic
climate control 91
Average fuel
consumption 69
– setting units 72
Average speed 69"Avoid ferries" for
navigation 116
Avoid freeways for
navigation 116
"Avoid highways" for
navigation 116
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 33
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation 116
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 190
"A - Z" 148
B
Backrests, refer to
Seats 43
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear 56
– replacing the bulbs 180
Balance, refer to
Adjusting the tone 128
Balance adjustment in
audio mode
– right/left 128
Bass, refer to
Adjusting the tone 127
"Bass", refer to
Adjusting the tone 128
Battery 181
– in the remote control 26
– jump-starting 184
Being towed 186
Belts, refer to
Safety belts 47
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders 97
Black ice, refer to
Ice warning 64
Blower, refer to
Air volume 89
BMW Assist 155
– enabling 155
– services offered 156
BMW maintenance
system 174
"BMW Service" 157
"BMW Service
settings" 155Bore, refer to
Engine data 190
Bottle holder, refer to
Cup holders 97
Brake Assistant, refer to
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 78
Brake fluid 173
– warning lamp 173
Brake Force Display 80
Brake hydraulic
system 173
Brake lamps
– replacing the bulbs 180
– two-stage brake lamps 80
Brake pads 173
– break-in procedure 102
Brake pedal, refer to
Brakes 103
Brake rotors 103
Brakes 103
– ABS Antilock Brake
System 76
– brake fluid 173
– Brake Force Display 80
– brake pads 102, 173
– break-in procedure 102
– handbrake 55
Brake system 102
– brake fluid level 173
– brake pads 173
– brake rotors 103
– break-in procedure 102
– warning lamp 13, 78, 173
Brake wear warning
– brake pads 173
– warning lamp 173
Breakdown assistance 156
Breakdown services, refer
to Roadside
Assistance 184
Breaking-in the clutch 102
Breaking-in the
differential 102
Break-in procedures 102
"Brightness" 72
Buttons on the steering
wheel 11

Reference 201
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination address
– deleting 115
– entering 110
Destination for navigation
– destination list 113
– entry 110
– selecting from address
book 115
– selecting using
information 113
– storing 114
Destination guidance 118
– bypassing route
sections 120
– canceling voice
instructions 50
– changing specified
route 116
– displaying route 119
– distance and arrival 118
– interrupting 118
– starting 118
– terminating/
continuing 118
– voice instructions 119
– volume of voice
instructions 119
Destination list 113
Destinations recently
driven to 113
"Dial" for portable
phone 147
"Dial number" 147
Digital clock 64
Dimensions
– Convertible 192
– Coupe 191
Dipstick for engine oil 171
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals 60
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions 119
Direction instructions, refer
to Voice instructions 119
Directory, refer to
Phone book 148
Directory for navigation,
refer to Address
book 114
Disc brakes 103Displacement, refer to
Engine data 190
Display, refer to
Control Center 16
"Display off" 19
Displays, refer to
Instrument cluster 12
"Display settings" 72
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up
Display 83
Disposal, vehicle
battery 181
Distance, refer to
Computer 70
Distance to destination,
refer to Computer 70
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control 75
"Dist. to destination" 70
Door entry lighting 87
Door keys 26
Door lock 29
"Door locks" 27
Doors
– manual operation 29
– remote control 27
DOT Quality Grades 166
Draft-free ventilation 92
"Driver's door only" 27
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/
low beams 85
Driving notes 102
Driving route, refer to
Displaying the route 119
Driving stability control
systems 77
Driving through water 103
Driving tips, refer to
Driving notes 102
Drying the air, refer to
Cooling function 89
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 77
– indicator lamp 13, 77
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 77
– activating 77
– indicator lamp 13, 77DVD for navigation 108
Dynamic Brake Control,
DBC 78
Dynamic Driving Control 59
"Dynamic route" for
navigation 116
Dynamic Stability Control,
DSC 77
Dynamic Traction Control,
DTC 77
E
Easy Entry, refer to
Entry to the rear 46, 52
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution 76
"Edit address" for
navigation 115
Eject button, refer to
Buttons on CD player 126
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 59
– convertible top 39
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler door 162
– glass roof 36
– luggage compartment
lid 31
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission 58
Electric steering wheel
adjustment 48
Electronic brake-force
distribution, EBV 76
Emergency assistance,
refer to Roadside
Assistance 184
Emergency call 183
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
– convertible top 39
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler door 162
– glass roof 36
– luggage compartment
lid 30, 31